2013 NEAFL Eastern fixture released

Highlights of the draw include an Anzac day match in Mackay between the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast SUNS, as well as games in Wagga Wagga and Newcastle in NSW.

Other features include 25 curtain raisers to AFL matches, 20 matches pitting AFL club against AFL club and 14 cross conference clashes between state league clubs.

The NEAFL competition will again start on the same weekend as the AFL season and finish on AFL preliminary final weekend.

The AFL’s National Second Tier Manager Simon Laughton said the third season of the NEAFL would see the competition continue to cover plenty of ground.

“It is exciting to have matches played across four states and territories, including three matches in regional areas,” said Laughton.

With no new clubs next season the spread of matches will be similar to this year with slight changes to the competition structure.

“AFL clubs will play 10 unrestricted matches against other AFL clubs and NT Thunder will play 11 home matches; one less than previous seasons,” said Laughton.

Changes have also been made to the finals series to increase the profile and significance of the final match.

“In line with recognising both conferences of the NEAFL as one, the main change will see the competition having only one grand final between the Northern and Eastern conference champions,” Laughton said.

The NEAFL season kicks off on Saturday March 23. To see the full 2013 NEAFL Eastern conference fixture click here. To see the full 2013 NEAFL Northern conference fixture click here.